If QQQ is at 69 at expiration, the stock position will break even, but the option will expire worthless, showing a profit of $0.91. If the NASDAQ 100 declines, then losses on the stock position will be offset by the $0.91 of premium collected on the options.
Lots of traders and investors are having a hard time seeing how the market will be able to rally significantly higher from here in the near-term, and are concerned that the seasonal "sell in May and go away" trade could pressure the market. If you are in this camp, then consider a covered call strategy like this.
Besides the seasonal trade, the other factor putting pressure on the NASDAQ 100 is the fact that the market has become a stock picker's market. Thus, stocks like Apple or Facebook could drag on the index, counter-acting any gains from some of the other names.
Because of these factors, a common trade we have been entering all year is one using index ETF to enter a position that is less risky than a simple long stock position – namely, selling calls against an index ETF position.
This allows you to continue to profit if the broad market simply sputters and stalls here, and also cushions the downside if we do see a sell-off. The other option is to buy puts, which, even with volatility near multi-year lows, can be costly.
I currently recommend selling covered calls on the SPY, while at the same time entering in long stock positions in top stock names. This strategy has allowed us to collect decent income in recent weeks, as we take advantage of any sell-off to sell some bid-up option premiums as we wait for a clearer indication as to the direction the market will take in the spring.
(Read More: Dow's Best QuarterSince 1998? What's Next?)
Disclosure: Brian Stutland is long SPY and short calls
